English / Welsh / Springer or Sprocker?

[andyb28]

Evening All,

I need some advice, sadly our lovely Beagle recently died and I need another dog.
We also have a female miniature schnauzer, although I dont see that for any of the breeds listed that should be a problem.

I am trying to narrow it down to one breed, but I am struggling to work out which one is the right one.

We usually walk our dogs once a day, between 2-4 miles, which is out in the countryside, so that they can be off the lead. However sometimes I like a running companion, so running along side me on a leash is also important.

We have had Malamutes in the past and my wife is not keen on massive amounts of shedding.

My kids are 9 and 11, but again I think all of the breeds are fine for this.
Our dogs aren't left for a very long time on their own. The longest it could ever be is 9-3, but usually my wife is working form home.

Which of the three is the least crazy and sheds less?
Anything else I should be thinking about?

Our Beagle for the first 2 years of his life was a nightmare and I am a little worried that all of the dogs above might be the same. I used to do a lot of shooting with my Dad as a kid, but I very much doubt we would be working the dog. Also, I not keen on the bouffant look some of the bench versions of the dogs have. Is that just down to the grooming?

[oddman]

Working cocker



Both of these dogs are family dogs but also left alone for long periods - about 4h

Great with kids but also work well on shooting days

They don't need a massive amount of exercise but do need brain work and training

Mine (golden) sheds a lot. The pretty bh (my mates dog) doesn't shed at all

Mine runs with me up to 20k (I'm the limiter) and is steady to stock

Edited by oddman on Friday 9th December 21:35

[HelenT]

Have got a working cocker at the moment but have had show cockers,english and welsh springers growing up.
Have a soft spot for Welsh Springers as beautiful dogs and perhaps calmest of the lot but not as easily available,
Run with our WCS but she is usually off lead, as running is not my main sport I do 6-7 miles she probably does 2-3 times as much.
I think they all need as much mental stimulatiom as physical to tire them out (or in the case of ours light up the log burner and you will get a couple of hours peace and quiet).Ours get clipped every 8 weeks not breed correct but much more practicle.
I guess if you have had a Beagle you can probably deal with a spaniel!

Edited by HelenT on Saturday 10th December 21:58

[Kinderpup]

If i may, would you consider re-homing rather than buying a puppy, there are so many dogs in rescue centres that are desperate for a new forever home. Most of them are great dogs, they are in rescue through no fault of their own and would be over the moon to live with kids and another dog in the countryside. Please consider, it's so worth it, the reward you get from these dogs is incredible, trust me, they really do appreciate the second chance. We have two rescues at the moment and most of our doggy pals are also rescues, the only "problem" dog was my little Kelpie male and that was deliberate we took him on as a severe abuse and neglect case and worked with him to overcome his problems, he is now the most affectionate little dog that I've ever had.

[andyb28]

Hi Everyone,

Thank you for your help and advice. For the record, we have had rescue dogs before, some were very difficult to get over their issues, others were fine. I must admit, I did look about, but they are not easy to find and in this instance my two little sons wanted a dog they could say was theirs, so a puppy was probably the right choice.

We picked up an ESS puppy, who is lovely and helping lots.

Edited by andyb28 on Wednesday 14th December 10:43

Edited by andyb28 on Wednesday 14th December 10:44

[Unexpected Item In Bagging Area]

Cute! More pictures please